Legislative Activity

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent rule aimed at closing the "Homework Gap" using the E-Rate Program. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is formally rejecting the FCC's specific plan to extend E-Rate funding for student home internet access. Consequently, the FCC's rule, published on November 29, 2024, will not take effect.

The Growing America’s Small Businesses and Manufacturing Act aims to support businesses through significant tax code changes. This bill permanently extends a specific method for calculating business interest expense limitations. Additionally, it substantially increases the immediate expensing limits (Section 179) for purchasing new depreciable business assets. These provisions are designed to encourage investment and growth for small businesses and manufacturers starting in tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The American Innovation and Jobs Act aims to boost U.S. competitiveness by restoring immediate expensing for most business research and development (R&D) investments. It also significantly expands the refundable R&D tax credit for new and small businesses, increasing the maximum refund amount and raising eligibility thresholds. Furthermore, the bill makes technical adjustments to the R&D credit calculation to make it more accessible for startups. These provisions are designed to incentivize domestic innovation and job creation starting in tax years after 2021 and 2024, respectively.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends critical Medicare payment provisions for ambulance services. This bill delays the expiration of special payment rules for "super rural" areas until January 1, 2028, while also implementing temporary payment increases for both super rural and standard ground ambulance services during that transition period. The goal is to ensure continued financial stability and access to essential ground ambulance care.

This resolution officially supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses as frontline healthcare providers and patient advocates. The measure encourages the public to observe the week with appropriate events honoring the nursing profession.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits life, disability, and long-term care insurers from denying coverage or increasing premiums solely because an individual is a living organ donor. The bill also clarifies that organ donation surgery qualifies as a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for both private and federal employees. Finally, it mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to update educational materials regarding the risks, benefits, and insurance implications of living donation.

The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical federal research funding for preterm labor and the care of low birthweight infants through fiscal year 2029. It mandates the establishment of an interagency working group to coordinate efforts related to prematurity. Furthermore, the bill requires a comprehensive study by the National Academies on the financial costs, causes, prevention, and support opportunities related to preterm births.

The Stand with Israel Act prohibits the U.S. government from contributing funds to any United Nations entity that takes action to expel, suspend, or otherwise restrict Israel's full and equal participation. This measure ensures U.S. financial support is withheld from UN bodies that discriminate against Israel.

This bill modifies the railroad track maintenance credit by significantly increasing the maximum credit amount per mile from $\$3,500$ to $\$6,100$. It also updates the eligibility period for qualifying expenditures and mandates that the new credit limit will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure upkeep.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" to raise national awareness about the critical need for personal finance education. It highlights current financial struggles, such as high household debt and lack of banking access, while emphasizing that financial education leads to better economic outcomes. The resolution encourages federal, state, and local entities to observe the month with programs promoting essential skills like budgeting, saving, and debt management.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 comprehensively reforms the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program by updating state allocation formulas based on population and inflation, and by modifying tenant eligibility rules to protect vulnerable residents. The bill also introduces significant changes for property owners regarding casualty loss, acquisition costs, and incentives for serving extremely low-income households. Finally, it directs efforts toward increasing program transparency and encouraging local governments to reform restrictive housing policies.

This resolution officially supports the mission of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025 to combat the deadly counterfeit pill crisis. It highlights the severe danger posed by fake pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl, which are increasingly accessible to young people. The bill aims to increase public awareness regarding this threat and applauds law enforcement efforts to stop the spread of illicit drugs.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" to raise awareness about the automatic legal and social barriers preventing formerly incarcerated individuals from fully rejoining society. It highlights how these collateral consequences hinder employment, education, and housing opportunities, which ultimately increases recidivism. The bill encourages communities and employers to actively support successful reentry and recognize the efforts of those working to tear down these roadblocks.

The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 2025 ensures that if group or individual health insurance plans cover diagnostic or supplemental breast examinations, they cannot impose any cost-sharing requirements like deductibles or copayments for those services. This means patients will receive these specific, necessary breast health tests at no out-of-pocket cost. The provisions apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025 makes the existing adoption tax credit fully refundable, allowing taxpayers to receive the benefit even if they owe no tax. This is achieved by relocating the credit within the tax code and updating related references. The bill also mandates the Treasury Department to issue regulations establishing a standardized third-party affidavit form for verifying adoption expenses. These changes will apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The LOCAL Infrastructure Act reinstates the availability of advance refunding bonds, effectively undoing a change made by the 2017 tax law. This action immediately restores the previous rules regarding these bonds. By bringing back advance refunding, the bill aims to provide greater financial flexibility for infrastructure projects.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act aims to combat sophisticated criminal gangs engaged in large-scale retail and supply chain theft. This bill strengthens federal law by updating money laundering and stolen property statutes, including establishing a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for certain offenses. Crucially, it mandates the creation of a specialized federal Coordination Center within Homeland Security to unify efforts across all levels of law enforcement and private industry against these transnational criminal organizations.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

Hammers' Law updates existing federal law to extend liability limitations, previously applied only to commercial aviation accidents, to include incidents involving cruise ships. This means lawsuits stemming from cruise ship voyages will now be subject to the same caps on damages as those in aviation accidents. The bill specifically defines which passenger vessels qualify as a "cruise ship" for the purposes of these limitations.